The avg USA student gets 40 mins of gym time every other day? K-8 get @ 25 min addl recess daily. Is that the right amt of physical activity?

[DrPepper12]

I'm trying to get feelings on USA kids needing an academic break & physical movement - not that their weak & obese - we KNOW that!

K-8 kids NEED @ hourly breaks to move

25 a day plus 40 more every other day seems right

Too much. More academics needed!

If I were Superintendent...

[Cormac995]

Sitting too long has been proven to cause problems. Kids should be getting at least ten minutes of standing and exercising every 2 hours or 5 every 1 at least for medical reasons alone if nothing else.

[DrPepper12]

Agreed. 75 minutes of sitting for kids is tops. I think for adults too.

[exitseven]

There should be daily physical exercise. Kids do not walk anywhere or even ride their bikes. Obesity is an epidemic and so is childhood diabetes. I bet the ADHD thing could be cured with exercise too.

[DrPepper12]

Research says every 75 minutes for kids sitting needs 15 of active non structured time. Agreed with you.

[WindAtMyBack]

I'd say that approximately K-3 should not be in school more than half a day, and should not be given homework. With a half day at school, they should still get recess - 40 minutes A DAY sounds good enough. Maybe substitute something like art or music for some of that time.

As the kids get older, things like homework can gradually be phased in. But they should always get recess, or gym class. 40 minutes every other day seems lean, but not terrible IF they get exercise after school. They should be getting at least 1-2 hours a day somewhere, either at home or school.

Same with adults. We sit on our asses way too much. Speaking of which, I need to get out and till the garden.

[MisterWack]

If I were superintendent:

1. More breaks to move around, play ball with the friend group, and recuperate

2. Encourage movement by setting aside school funds to make jump rope / hula hoop / swings accessible to all

3. More drink fountains and encourage hydration

Probably more could be done, but I feel like retiring from this job. Thanks for having me and God Bless!

[Dongie]

That's plenty. Kids, at least when I was in school, was always active. I'm not sure of our ratio then but eh, they'll be fine.

[Likes2drive]

I think the 40 minutes of exercise is good every other day